Work to close portion of Kahekili Highway

Work will begin on Kahekili Highway between Mileposts 15 and 16 in Kahakuloa on July 10. • Map via County of Maui

The Maui News – A portion of Kahekili Highway in Kahakuloa will be closed at certain times beginning July 10 to allow stabilization work on a deteriorating portion of the highway, the county announced Wednesday.

When work begins, residential and tourist traffic will be able to reach Kahakuloa only via Wailuku. However, Kahakuloa will be accessible via Lahaina before and after construction hours. Work will be done from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Poor weather may delay work.

The project is scheduled to last until February, although it could be completed by the end of this year.

The work will be done between Mileposts 15 and 16 in Kahakuloa. Advisory signs will warn motorists about the road closure.

“Summer is the best time to begin the project because there’s better weather, longer daylight hours and no school traffic,” said Department of Public Works Director David Goode. “We know this is an inconvenience, but that portion of the highway is already very narrow, and it will continue to deteriorate until it is unpassable. We need to get in there to stabilize it or that portion of the highway may not exist in the near future.”

Maui County Council members approved $3.7 million to do the roadwork. Discussions with the community about the condition of the road, necessary repairs and road closure have been ongoing since 2012, with the most recent community meeting taking place May 11.